75 years ago today, President Franklin D. Roosevelt founded the March of Dimes in order to “lead, direct and unify” the fight against polio.
Since its creation in 1938, the organization has funded more than 31 lifesaving vaccines for children. In 1955, they funded the Salk vaccine and the Sabin vaccine in 1962, both which help prevent polio in infancy. In the 1960s they started newborn screenings for PKU. In the 1970s, newborn intensive care units helped save thousands of lives of premature and sick babies and in the '80s, surfactant therapy helped babies with underdeveloped lungs breathe. In the 90s, folic acid education helped reduce the risk of neural tube defects and in the 2000’s, the March of Dimes has so far helped prevent premature births and a record number of babies receive the happiest, healthiest start possible because of their incredible efforts.
Babies that will be born in 2013 have a better chance at a long, healthy life than those from previous generations, thanks in large part to the 75 years of commitment and ongoing health advancements that March of Dimes has made possible. Thinking ahead to next year, babies will live longer than ever before and are less likely to be born with birth defects or die from diseases thanks to the vaccinations opportunities that March of Dimes is dedicated to preventing!
The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health, with chapters nationwide. It’s premier event, March for Babies, helps improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.
From all of us at The Bump, we can’t thank the March of Dimes enough for their amazing commitment to education, awareness and prevention and we wish them the happiest birthday, and happiest 75th anniversary! We can’t wait to see what this incredible organization is able to do next!
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